YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul is set to take on former two-time unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua in a professional heavyweight boxing match on December 19 at Miami’s Caseya Center, as confirmed by Most Valuable Promotions to ESPN. This bout will stream live on Netflix and will consist of eight three-minute rounds with standard 10-ounce gloves used in heavyweight fights.
The matchup marks a significant shift for the 27-year-old Paul, who was initially scheduled to face WBA lightweight champion Gervonta “Tank” Davis in an exhibition on November 14. That fight was called off after Davis was implicated in a civil lawsuit filed by his ex-girlfriend alleging serious charges including aggravated assault and kidnapping.
Instead of facing the lighter, 130-pound Davis, Paul will now confront Joshua, an Olympic gold medalist and two-time heavyweight champion who has competed at weights up to 256 pounds—over 100 pounds heavier than Davis. Paul, primarily a cruiserweight fighter (200-pound limit), tipped the scales at 227.25 pounds during his 2024 heavyweight exhibition against Mike Tyson.
“This isn’t some AI simulation—this is Judgment Day,” Paul declared. “I’m fighting a top-notch world champion in his prime. When I beat Anthony Joshua, all doubts vanish, and no one can deny my shot at the world title. To my critics and British fans, the torch will be passed on December 19 in Miami, only on Netflix.”
Though Paul’s professional experience is limited with a record of 12-1 and just 70 rounds fought since 2020, this fight is a massive step up for him. Joshua, boasting a record of 28-4 and over 160 rounds in a decorated 12-year career, represents a formidable challenge.
Joshua, 36, commented, “Jake or anyone else can take this challenge. I’ll show no mercy. I’m back with a mega event and ready to break records. Look out for more fighters stepping up to opportunities like this. I’m about to make a big splash with my fight against Jake Paul.”
Joshua’s last bout ended in a fifth-round stoppage by Daniel Dubois in an IBF title bout in September 2024, after which he had elbow surgery and a hiatus. Earlier this year, Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, anticipated a major 2025 fight against Tyson Fury, making this Paul matchup unexpected.
Most Valuable Promotions CEO Nakisa Bidalyan reflected on the rapid changes: “Everyone laughed when Jake said he wanted to fight Joshua in 2026, but now it’s happening in weeks. Joshua holds all the advantages except one—Jake’s unwavering confidence. This fight is a global clash between boxing’s new face and Britain’s king.”
Plans had targeted 2026 for the Paul-Joshua bout, but it was moved forward following Davis’ canceled fight. Paul needs to find an opponent swiftly to fight before the year’s end, solidifying this accelerated timeline.
While few expect Paul to pose a serious threat to Joshua, the matchup promises to be a major event. Hearn noted, “Two huge sports icons facing off in Miami—Jake has the boldness, but it’ll be a tough fight.”
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Fan Take: This highly anticipated clash is more than just a spectacle—it signifies a new era where crossover stars challenge traditional boxing legends, drawing unprecedented attention to heavyweight boxing. For fighting fans, this fight could reshape the sport’s landscape by blending entertainment with elite competition, potentially opening doors for similar matchups in the future.
